A consultation workshop for development of a new Circular on HPAI prevention and control was held back to back with the semi-annual review workshop on animal diseases prevention and control on 5 July 2013 in Hanoi and 10 July 2013 in Ho Chi Minh City. The Department of Animal Health, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) – ECTAD unit, convened these workshops with approximately 230 participants from Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Sub departments of Animal Health (SDAH), Regional Offices of Animal Health (RAHO), Department of Animal Health (DAH), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Ministry of Health, members of the National Steering Committee on Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Veterinary Association, private sectors, and mass media. These workshops were supported by funding from the United States Agency of International Development (USAID).

Successful Workshops

The workshops were a venue for both consultation and feedback on the proposed new Circular to prevention and control of highly pathogenic avian influenza, and an opportunity to to report on prevention and control of animal diseases and avian influenza in Vietnam for the first 6 month of 2013. Additionally, Provincial leaders shared their experiences in animal disease prevention and control while participants actively contributed important and practical feedback to improve on the details of legislation being prepared.

FAO Vietnam experts contributed a presentation on the H7N9 surveillance programme in Vietnam and an update of the situation in China. The presentation highlighted the proactive approach to detecting disease if it should enter the country, as well as highlighting the coordination between the animal health and human health sectors.  

MARD Vice Minister Vu Van Tam conveyed compliments from the Minister to DAH and animal health sector for their efforts in animal diseases control including highlighting good models and lessons learned from the southern Provinces such as Vung Tau, An Giang, Ninh Thuan, Tien Giang.

Follow up

Vice Minister Tam also reminded participants that animal disease prevention and control is still faces many challenges and that DAH should advise local authorities on issues related to surveillance, vaccination, quarantine, and drug management. Vice Minister Tam also promoted the One Health approach and coordination with human health sector to address zoonotic diseases.